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Hamza was born in January 1982. He wasn't
born into a Muslim family but chose to follow
Islam when he was 21 years old. He grew
up in Oldham, UK.
He thought school was alright but couldn't
wait to move on and get more involved in
music. The lessons he enjoyed most were
Music and Drama. After that he went on to
college and did a performing arts popular
music course for two years which was really
enjoyable and met some good friends there
with whom he shared common interests.
Hamza's background was not a musical one
when growing up. His grandmother used to
play the piano and he remembers his grandfather
playing the harmonica. His mother used to
play the violin but she gave it up when
she was very young. When he grew up, Hamza
always wanted to be a performer as he really
enjoyed acting when he was younger. As he
got older, he got more into listening to
and writing his own music. His musical influences
are Pink Floyd, Paul Weller, Thin Lizzy,
Magnum, Peter Gabriel, Iron maiden, Sami
Yusuf, Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam).
Hamza is still based in his home town of
Chadderton in Oldham, UK. He is currently
working on a new album which will have all
instruments including piano and guitar.
He says it's going very well and the writing
is almost finished. He's really looking
forward to recording and producing it in
the studio. Before converting to Islam,
his influences were very similar to what
they are now. Although he now realises just
how important it is to spread a good message
as he can see the effect it has on peoples
lives coming from the music scene which
he is involved in. In his music he likes
to send out a message of peace and harmony
and of a balancedway of living which is
achievable for us all.
He considers his best achievement to date
to be his performance at Wembley. Saying
that to be able to play a grand piano on
a big stage like that was a really big thing
for him and he worked very hard to get to
that point.
In his spare time he likes to spend it
with his wife, family and friends. He also
loves to lock himself in the studio and
rock out! He likes to go to local Muslim
gatherings and talks, and think gaining
knowledge is a thing that we should all
endeavour to do. I like walking in the countryside
as this inspires me to write.
His plans for 2008 are to release a second
album and to perform it internationally.
He would like to reach those who have not
been fortunate enough to know about the
teachings of Islam and to inspire truth
in their hearts. He believes there are many
beautiful people out there with good hearts
and if they were shown the truth they would
embrace Islam just like him.
He is currently married and expecting
a baby boy in February. Hamza's message
to his fans is: "Keep your faith and
this life is meant to be difficult as it
is a test so don't give up hope and stay
strong."
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